Sound-box.



H. G. MILLER.

SOUND BOX. APPLICATION mum JUNE 2, 1906. RENEWED our. 4, 1912.

1,063,823. Patented June 3,1913.

3 SHEETSSHEET 1.

Witnesses 27Gb 61mm,

H. G. MILLER. SOUND BOX.

APPLICATION FILED JUNE}, 1,906. RENEWED OCT. 4, 1912.

Patented June 3, 1913.

3 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

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H. G. MILLER.

SOUND BOX;

LPPLIUATION'I'ILED JUNE 2, 1906, RENEWED OUT. 4, 1912.

Patented June 3, 1913.

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HENRY C. MILLER, F WATERFORD, NEW YORK.

SOUND-BOX.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented June 3,1913

Application filed June 2, 1906, Serial No. 319,934. Renewed October 4,1912. Serial No. 723,898.

2 To all whom it may concern .f

Be it known that I, HENRY C. MILLER, a citizen of the United States,residing at Waterford, in the county of Saratoga and State of New York,have invented certain new and useful Im rovements in Sound- Boxes, ofwhich the ollowing is a specification. I

This invention relates to improvements in sound boxes of the type shownand described in my pending application "for'patent Serial No. 314,654,filed May 1, 1906.

The object of the invention is to provide a sound box having a diaphragmwhose shape may be altered, or in other words dished for raising thepitch, in combination with means operating on said diaphragm with orwithout stopping the machine, or the necessity of being in closeproximity to themachine. The diaphragm on the sound box is normally inwhat mi ht be stated zero osition, and its shape 1s susceptible of belngaltered to change the pitch by a pneumatic arrangement, the pitch beingen tirely under control of the operator during operation of the machineto bring out the salient features of a particular record beingreproduced.

In the above mentioned applicationIhavc described, and claimed modifyingelements attached to the diaphragm, and I find from experiments thatbetter results are obtained by making these elements in disconnectedseries to permit the free vibration of the diaphragm in all directions.It is essential in order to obtain the very best results that the linesof vibration be free on the diaphragm, for which reason I have found itdesirable as above stated, to make the modifying elements spaced fromand in line with each other.

A further object of the invention is to provide means for taking up wearof the stylus bar, during the reproduction of a record.

In the drawings-Figure 1 is a front elevation of my improved sound box.Fig. 2 is a rear view of the" same. Fi 3 is a vertical section on theline 3-3 0 Fig. 1. Fig. 4 is a view similar to Fi 3, but showing thediaphragm convexe to alter its tone. Figs. 5, 6,'and 7, are views of diaphragms showing different means of apply- 1n my improve modifyingelements. ig

8 is a detail "view of the connection between the stylus lever anddiaphragma Fig. 9 is a view similar to Fig. 3 of a slight modification.Fig. 10 is a view of a diaphragm showing the modifying'elements radiallydisposed, as shown applied in Fig. 1. Fig. 11 is a detail section of adiaphragm having the modifying elements embossed therein. Figs. 12 and13' are views of a different form of diaphragm modifying means. Fig. 14is a face view of the same.

The numeral 1, indicates a sound-box formed with an opening 2, in itsperiphery, and an internal flange 3. To the rear of the sound box isattached a plate 4, formed with a hollow extension 5, to which the usualhorn 6, may be attached. Attached to the open end of the extension 5, isa capplate 7,'formed with an opening 8, connected by a tube 9, with abulb 10.

The diaphragm 11, is located in the sound box and bears on a preferablyrubber ring washer or flange 12, seated against the flange 3. Betweenthe extension 5, and the diaphragm, and moving freely within the soundbox, is a spider frame 13, formed with a reduced annular flange 14,which extends inwardly toward flan e 3. Mounted on flange 14, andprojecting slightly beyond the same is a referably rubber washer 15, theouter per1phery of which is slightly within the inner diameter of thewasher'12, its inner face bearing directly on the rear of the diaphragm11. The spider 13, is connected by a rod 16 with a flexible diaphragm19, as by washers and a screw 20.

The outer ends of said diaphragm 19, being clamped between thecap-p1ate'1',-and the extension 5.

The conical journals 21, of the stylus bar 21, are mounted, one in abearing 22,which is fixed to and extends outwardly from the sound box,and the opposite journal is sup ported in a bearing in an L shapedspring plate 23, secured to. the sound box as at 24; the normal tendencyof said spring plate being to spring away from hearing 22. The rpringplate 23, is connected by a screw 25, having a knurled head 26, andpasses through an opening 27, in the fixed bearing 22, the lowerthreaded end 27 engaging a threaded opening 28, in said spring bearing23. By turning the screw rod 25, spring plate 23, may be drawn towardbearing22, to take up wear of the conical 'ournals 2 1, the thrust aspreviously stated eing toward the fixed bearing.

By the arrangement described, I am also of a flat spring connectingdevice 32, the

stylus bar when'playin opposite end of which is attached tothe diaphragm11, and to the opposite end of the stylus lever is attached the usualstylus,-indicated at 33. The spring connecting device 32, may be in theform of a round wire spring, and its outer end passed through buckling.

an opening drilled in the stylus lever.

I have fully and minutely set forth the advantages of a modifyingelement-appliedto a diaphragm in my pendin application No. 314,654 filedMay 1, 196% and for it complete understanding ofthis feature it .is Inmypresent ap-- necessary to refer to it. plication, and while I havecarried out sub stantially the same theory, the modifying elements aredifferently applied to permit the diaphragm having .as much flexibilityas possible, in order that the greatest surface may be vibratedtoproperly transmit the sound waves produced by the records.

Assuming the diaphragm to be in the po-- sition illustrated in Fig. 3,and a record is being reproduced which requires a different pitch, theoperator squeezes bulb 10, and the air acting on the flexible diaphragm19, forces in the spider 13, and-the washer 15,

bears onthe diaphragm and-compresses or'- dishes 1t as shown on ad'exaggerated scale in Fig. 4;. The location of the washer-s12 and 15,causes the washer 15, to act circumfere'ntially on the diaphragminsidefthe inner diameter of washer- 12, and produces the result shownin Fig-i4, prevents By thejccnstruction described the edge ofthediaphragm is free, and whenthe spider is operated it dishes the entirearea of the diaphragm, without pulling pr stretching the material, andthe quality of the diaphragm is therefore maintained irrespective of.its shape.

In the practical operation of; the sound box, the diaphra m isnecessarily dished comparatively litte in order to change the tone, sothat the outward movement at the center does not affect the stylus leverto any great degree; the. spring connection. 32,. al-'.

lowing the stylus, barto operate in any of the positions free enough soas not to injure- -the record.

It will be understood that the washers or flanges 12,;1nd 15, may be ofany material and if necessary can be formed with flangeplaced lengthwiseof the grain.

3, and spider 13, respectively, and may also.

be corrugated if desired.

The spaces between the tuning elements are of micrometer distances, butare made larger so as to show the travel'of the sound waves betweenthem, the waves being shown in dotted lines a as before set forth.

' In Fig. 5, I have shown a slightly dif-' ferent arrangement of tuningelements, the latter being placed in. line with each other,

and when used in connection with a wooden diaphragm, these modifyingvelements are It is obvious that the tuning elements may be arranged onthe diaphragm to accomplish the best results. For instance thearrangement illustrated in Fig. 1, wherein themodifying elements aredisposed radially, excellent results are obtainable with diaphragmsconstructed from .certain materials. The diaphragm may be formed ofmetal, with the modifying elements embossed therein, as will be readilyunderstood. The modifying elements may be placed on one or both faces ofthe diaphragm, depending somewhat on the conditions, and the washers fordishin the diaphragm may be reversed'without a fecting the soundadjusting-quality.

As'disclosed in'FigS. 12 to 14,- the modifying means consists of anarched strip 80,

extending entirely across the diaphragm,

and fasten-ing it to the edge of the latter, the same-results may beaccomplished as with the disclosures herein before indicated. Or if themodifying element is placed in the sound box with the archtoward thediaphragm, and then moving it by the operating means 16, it will beapparent that the sound will be altered.

' I may combine with the pneumatic means for altering the sound, amanual means indicated at 10, in Fig. 3. This construction is identicalwith that shown in the application referred to, and is designedto beused to set the position of the diaphragm, or

when it is undesirable to use the pneumatic.

means, the latter being of course inoperative where the manual means isbrought into operation. The manual means may be operat- .ed to set thediaphragm, and then the pneumatic means operated as described,independently of the operation of said manual means.

What I claim i's I 1. A sound box provided with a substantially flatdiaphragm, and means bearing 7 near its edges for dishing the diaphragmthroughout its entire area to alter its pitch.

.2. A sound box. comprising a casing having an annular'flange, anormally flat diaphragm within the casing and seated on the'annular'flange, and'mea-ns acting on an annular line within the marginof the annular flange on the casing to dish said diaphragm mconcavo-convex form throughout its ontire area to alter the pitch of thesound transmitted by said diaphragm.

3. A sound box comprising a diaphragm, a washer on which the diaphragmis seated, a Washer acting on an annular line on the opposite side ofthe diaphragm to dish the latter in concavo-convex form' throughout itsentire area, and means operating the latter washer.

4. A sound box comprising a substantially flat diaphragm, a flange onwhich the outer edge of one surface of the diaph agm rests, means actingnear the edge of the diaphragm to dish the diaphragm throughout itsentire area, and lneans for operating the latter means.

5. A sound box comprising a diaphragm, means for dishing the same, and apneumatic device Which may be operated dur-' ing the operation of themachine without interference therewith for operating said means.

(i. A sound box comprising a substantially flat diaphragm, meansengaging the surface of the diaphragm for dishing the latter throughoutits entire area, and means for operating the latter means.

7. A sound box comprising a diaphragm, means acting on the surface ofthe latter to dish it, and pneumatic means for operating said lattermeans.

8. A sound box comprising a flange on which the edge of one face of adiaphragm rests, a diaphragm, an operating flange acting on a lineinside the flange of the sound box for dishing the diaphragm, a spidersupporting the operating flange, and means op erating on the center ofthe spider for operating the same.

9. A sound box comprising a flange on which the edge of one face of adiaphragm rests, a diaphragm, an operating flange acting olra lineinside of the aforesaid flange for dishing the diaphragm, a spider onwhich the operating flange is supported, and pneumatic means which may,be operated during the operation of the machine without interferencetherewith for operating the spider. 4 i

10. A sound box comprising a'substantially flat diaphragm free on oneside, a flange, one face of the diaphragm near one edge resting on theflange, an operative washer of smaller area than the aforesaid flangeand bearing on the surface of the dia ph agm, and means for operatingthe operative washer to cause the edge of the diaphragm to leave theflange and dish said diaphragm throughout its entire area.

11. A sound box comprising a diaphragm, coiiperating means for dishingsaid diaphragm, an air compression chamber extending from the sound box,a flexible diaphragm in said chamber, means connecting the latterdiaphragm and the diaphragm &

dishing means, and means for regulating the supply of air inthecompression chamber.

12. A sound box comprising a diaphragm, means for dishing the diaphragm,an extension on the sound box, a pneumatic device formed in theextension for operating the dishing means, and means for regulating thesupply of air for operating the dishing means.

13. A sound box, comprising a diaphragm, means for dishing the same, andextension on the sound box, pneumatic means in the extension foroperating the dishing means, and a horn opening formed in the extensionbetween-the diaphragm and the pneumatic means.

14. A sound box having a stationary bearing extending therefrom, aspring member secured to said sound box and having its free end formedin a bearing turned to be in alinemcnt with the stationary bearing, astylus lever mounted in the stationary bearing and the bearing formed inthe end of the spring member, and a screw connecting the two hearings toadjust the tension of the spring bearing toward or from the sta tionarybearing.

15. A sound box comprising a diaphragm, means for dishing the sameincluding a pneumatic device comprising a bulb and a piston.

16. A sound box formed with an extension, a diaphragm, means partiallywithin the extension for altering the pitch of the diaphragm including areciprocating element and operatively positioned to change the shape ofthe diaphragm, and pneumatic means for operating the reciprocatingelement without interrupting the operation of the machine.

17. A sound box provided with a substantially flat diaphragm, a flangeagainst which one face of the diaphragm rests, and means for dishing thediaphragm, said means in operation causing the circumference of thediaphragm to be moved from the flange to dish the entire area of thediaphragm.

18. A sound box having a diaphragm, modifying elements attached to saiddiaphragm, means located near the outer edge of the diaphragm fordishing it throughout its entire area, and means for operating thedishing means.

19. A sound box comprising a stylus lever a diaphragm having modifyingelements attached thereto and spaced from each other, between the edgeof said diaphragm and said stylus lever, the modifying elements beingalined with respect to each other, means for dishing the diaphragmthroughout its entire area, and means for operating the dishing means.

20. A sound box comprising a diaphragm, a stylus lever formed with anotch, and an L shaped connector having one end attached to thediaphragm and its opposite end engaging the notch in the stylus lever.

for operating the sound altering means the two latter means beingoperable independentlyof the other.

23. A-sound box comprising a diaphragm,

means for altering the sound of the diaphragm, pneumatic means foroperating the sound altering means, and manual means for operating thesound altering means, the latter means adapted to be operated to set thediaphragm, independently of the pneumatic means.

24. A sound box comprising a casing, a

diaphragm, a stationary Washer, a movable washer ofa difi'erentdiameter, a spider on which the movable washer is fastened, means formoving the latter to dish the diaphragm throughout its entire area, andreleasing the pressure on said diaphragm to allow the straightening ofthe same, the

' movable washer actuating means extending through the rear of thecasing.

25. A sound box comprising a casing, a

diaphragm, a stationary Washer, a movable washer and spider, meansacting on the center of the spider for causing variable pres-' sure onthe outer edge of. the diaphragm to dish the latter throughout itsentire area and for withdrawing same to release. the pressure from thediaphragm.

26. A sound box comprising a casing, va diaphragm, a'stationary washer,amovable washer of diflerent'diameter t-hanthe sta-' tionary Washer andfastened on a movable spider, means for causing pressure on the.

center of the spider for dishing the diaphragm throughout its entirearea, and a pivoted stylus acting on the dished diaphragm. a

27. A sound box, comprising a diaphragm,

means for altering the pitch of the dia phragm,'and a pneumatic devicefor'operating on the aforesaid means during the operation of the machinewithout'interference therewith. v

28. A soundbox comprising a casing hav- 'ing an annular flange on theinside, a sub- 29. A sound box comprising a diaphragm having its edgefree to move, means acting on a circumferential line at a point distantfrom the edge of the diaphragm for dishing the latter, and a centrallylocated stem extending through the sound box for operating thedishingmeans.

30. A sound box comprising a casing, a diaphragm, and modifyin elements1 attached to the diaphragm, sai modifyingelements being arrangedin'separated groups, each element being attached throughout one of itsentire surfaces to the surface ofthe diaphragm. v

In testimony whereof I have signed my name to this specification in thepresence of two subscribing Witnesses.

HENRY G. MILLER.

Witnesses:

l/VM. F. PALMER, JNo. IMIRIE.

